Chief judge, David Morris, told the Times on Saturday that while the number of medals was on par with last year, the standard was actually better.

He said many of the entries were "good, solid, commercial wines" and even the ones that missed out on medals were sound and well-made.

With approximately140 entries in this year's show and just over 70 medals awarded, 50 per cent of the entries were considered worthy of a medal.

The whites continued to dominate with more than 50 per cent collecting medals.

While the number of medals awarded in the red classes was lower, Mr Morris said the standard of reds being produced in the local region continued to improve, particularly the merlots, cabernets and chambourcins.

But it is the whites that are likely to dominate when the major awards are announced at Cupitt's Winery in Ulladulla on February 6.

Mr Morris said the Semillon class, in particular, had been a "pleasure" to judge. He said the entries in this class had been "superb" and of world-class standard.

Judging took place on Friday at the CWA hall in Milton and was followed on Saturday by tasting sessions - the first for exhibitors and the second for members of the public - at Milton Showground.

Mr Morris said judges enjoyed the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of individual entries.

He said while some winemakers were simply too busy at the cellar door to attend, others capitalised on the opportunity to chat with judges, take notes and get feedback on how to take their product to the next level.

Mr Morris said this year's show had been "thoroughly enjoyable" to judge, with the high standard of entries commanding plenty of discussion.

He attributes the standard of entries to a run of good seasons, admitting that winemakers are "only as good as the grapes" available to them.

Mr Morris said local winemakers were all very professional in their approach.

"They are doing a pretty good job," he told the Times.